Businesses across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire are being encouraged to step-up to the challenge for a workplace fitness programme which has been launched across the sub-region.
Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport (CSW Sport),based at the University of Warwick, is urging people to go head-to-head with their colleagues and take part in the Workplace Challenge.
CSW Sport is the County Sports Partnership for the region and is responsible for developing, co-ordinating and promoting sportopportunities throughout the area.
The Workplace Challenge initiative will see employees battle it out to win points for their firm and anything from active travel to work through to participation in sports can be added to the free online activity log.
Individuals and workplaces will then be able to track their progress online as well as having the opportunity to compete in a local leader board, deliver sports taster sessions and organise competitions.
And as part of the challenge CSW is looking to identify Sport Volunteer Activators within as many organisations across the sub-region as possible as part of its Getting Businesses Active scheme.
Activators will be a single point of contact in an organisation with who CSW will provide support and information to help develop sports opportunities.
And when companies sign-up to the scheme they may also access equipment and sporting opportunities through CSW Sport from a wide range of sports’ national governing bodies.
Tracy Murphy, from CSW Sport, said: “With the average person spending 60% of their waking time at work, and approximately one in four people in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire being obese,it is important for us to encourage more physical activity within the workplace.
“This will not only have a positive impact on employee health and wellbeing but will also help to reduce staff sickness, absenteeism and stress.
“The workplace challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to get back into sport whilealso encouraging a bit of healthy and fun competition among colleagues.”
And one of the first organisations to get ahead of the game is Coventry City Council, which hosted its first lunchtime activity session delivered by Be Healthy Be Well and Public Health as part of the council’s city-wide health and fitness initiative Coventry on the Move.
Organiser Naomi Brook, of Coventry City Council, said: “There were lots of different activities to try from chair-based toning exercises to table tennis and even hula hooping.
“It was such a fun and inspirational event with people finding all sorts of ways to be active and have a good time.
“I would definitely encourage all businesses in Coventry to get involved in Coventry on the Move and to boost their achievements by signing up to the Workplace Challenge – Let’s get workplaces in the area moving.”
The Workplace Challenge is part of a nationwide initiative being rolled out by the County Sports Partnership Network which is funded by Sport England and supported by the British Heart Foundation to engage workplaces in sport and physical activity.
Businesses across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire with employees aged 16 to 25-years-old can also benefit from funding for projects to deliver six consecutive one hour weekly sport or activity sessions through the CSW Sport Sportivate scheme.